Home repair nightmare: A tale of windows that won’t open

Beth Allen

Friday

Jun 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMJun 29, 2012 at 11:33 AM

Dealing with contractors can be an overwhelming experience. If you are not well versed in construction jargon, you can feel downright stupid as the pro tells you about building codes and standards. But as smart consumers, you must do your due diligence before handing over your home to just any “Bob the Builder.”

Here is a true tale of a local woman, who was very misled by a contractor and left with little recourse.

This client of mine needed my direction on staging her home for resale. While working a little magic indoors, she had a contractor tackling the outside issues. I had heard good things of this company before and assumed she was in good hands. Well, we all know how assumptions go.

The contractor was hired to cap the exterior windows – meaning: add aluminum strips around the wood frame windows to protect the wood from the elements, and create a clean fresh look to the exterior. The process provides a weather-proof cap that safely directs water away from the original underlying wood material and prevents infiltration of water into the window frame. It also eliminates the need to re-paint and maintain wood windows. It is a worthwhile home improvement, when done well.

The crew worked quickly, capping 17 exterior windows. Unbeknownst to my client, their finished work was anything but proper. A few days later, interior painters arrived to freshen up the inside and found they were unable to open windows to air out the house. My client called me to take a look at it. I was speechless.

The building contractor had capped the windows completely shut. His crew nailed the capping from the sill to the lower sash (bottom edge of window that moves).

This crew had basically nailed all 17 windows shut, thus creating a major fire safety hazard and violating building codes. She cannot sell the home in this state and her family’s welfare is in jeopardy if there is an emergency.

My client contacted the contractor, raising concern over not being able to open windows. He retorted, “You can open the kitchen sliding glass door if you need fresh air.” He argued that he capped the windows as asked, seeing no problem with windows that do not open. He has failed to show up to repair the windows or return her calls. Sadly, she is left to bring in another contractor to rectify this before she can list the home, costing her more money, time and aggravation.

Heed this tale. Protect your investment. Before having work done at your home, do your homework:

• Write out questions before meeting with contractors.

• Research the project – ask friends or neighbors about similar projects done at their home, search the Internet, call your township to ask about building codes that may apply.

• Interview at least 2-3 contractors to hear varied plans and prices for the job.

• Get estimates in writing and be sure they include payment arrangements.

• Never pay balance before work is done or give large deposits until work is underway.

• Goggle the contractor online; look for reviews or complaints against him or his company.

• Ask to see proof of a contractor’s license and insurance coverage.

• If you have a problem with a contractor, contact your township or city building code department; there may be others who have filed complaints as well.

• Find online review sites and comment about your experience: be honest; do not insult; speak of the issue, not the person.

• Pay with credit cards if able so you can have support in disputing charges if problem arises.

Be a smart, capable and confident homeowner. Your home is your greatest financial investment.

Beth Allen is a local entrepreneur and owner of HIP Chicks, the DIY resource for women. Check out her Hip Chicks Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube channel or send her an email at bethallen@diyhipchicks.com. Her guest column appears every Friday.

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